Now in their sixth successive season in the Premier League, Southampton haven't finished lower than 14th in any of the previous five, but face a battle for survival with just eight league games remaining.

"We would like to place on record our thanks to Mauricio, Carlos and Xavier for their efforts during their time with Southampton", it continued.

The board acted reluctantly in the hope that a disappointing season can still be salvaged and would like to secure a replacement in time for the FA Cup quarter-final against Wigan Athletic on Sunday.

USA has not heard back from NK about summit: Tillerson
Tillerson says Chad has taken important, positive steps to strengthen control over its passports and improve information-sharing. Tillerson is expected to hold a press conference with Geoffrey Onyeama, minister of foreign affairs, after meeting with Buhari.

Since returning to the Premier League in 2012, Southampton have been successful in managing a high turnover of managers and playing staff. "I observed some players who gave up and we can not show this, to be honest", he told reporters at his post-match press conference.

Last summer Pellegrino, 46, was appointed to replace Claude Puel, who is now manager of eighth-place Leicester City. "I haven't seen my team compete in this way this season without the spirit you need to compete at this level." .

Pellegrino's sacking has been something that has seemingly been in the pipeline for a matter of months, with Southampton fans having expressed their displeasure with the Argentine for most of the season.